One thing I think gets missed in many preseason practice settings is the opportunity to put a team in strategic situations, such as the SCORING ZONE. I've spoken to many coaches who are just trying to get plays taught, while it's my honest opinion that a complete system takes care of that. Once the baseline information is set, the players should have cues in the system to take them to the next step.

However, I think that the term "Situation Football" gets overblown. It's just not that complicated for MOST of us. Essentially, it comes down to very simple rules/ tenets for each situation. In a well-organized system, with structures that attack a multitude of defenses and the ability to control functions within a play (such as our use of Navigation/ Read Tags), the process becomes very simple. For instance, after BALL SECURITY and EXPLOSIVE PLAYS, FIRST DOWN EFFICIENCY is the next most important variable. What should the goal be here?

1st DOWN:- Stay on schedule- Create explosives

Obviously, the ZONE READ with attachments has revolutionized football. Another thing that can be done in the passing game is create simple "pass checks" -- very elementary patterns that are really high percentage, and give the offense a very high probability of success. Coupled with formations that limit possible defensive reactions, this can provide really effective answers in several situations - like 3rd and Medium. Take, for instance the "nub" set with 3 receivers, a TE, and 1 RB. Most defenses will give pretty standardized responses here; we have prepared 2 alternatives as a CHECK, based on the alignment of the frontside safety. On our band, it is listed as a "CHK 200/FRISCO". The QB simply gives a quick hand signal at the line. Best of all, we use zone blocking to create the quick play pass, and there is no new learning.

On 3rd down, the obvious goal is to convert the needed yardage; however, there is a difference in simply calling a route that passes the first down marker, and instead using this opportunity to test the structure of the defense. Below, we present the defense with a bunch formation; often, a match-zone team will give a predictable response. But when the back motions to create a four-receiver surface, coupled with multiple quick-breakers to combat pressure, conversion possibilities as well as almost uncovered throws can result:

Because of the NO HUDDLE environment (and subsequent communication the defense must employ), ROCK and LOAD motion has proven to be extremely beneficial, either in creating "uncovered" throws, or simply opening up a base pattern even more than usual. Here, we see how an option route can be augmented:

There are many things to consider as a team gets closer to the end zone. Obviously, the smaller field eliminates certain stretched (such as 3 level thinking)...However, it does mean one can influence more dramatic reactions from the defense. Hence, there was the introduction of a new navigation tag - COWBOY, which stands for "COMBO or ONE on ONE."

Sometimes, creating tendencies can be to one's advantage. I recall Norv Turner replying to a call-in fan on the Cowboys tendencies - "Well, yes, you can bet we will hand the ball to Emmitt Smith." One such example, for instance, could be basing SPRINT protection from EMPTY; this would discourage the use of blitz automatics vs. the formation.

All the while, there is a plan for maximum protection and moving the launch point. In this regard, it is, perhaps, more important to have an "answer" section of one's call sheet than some of the other minutia that dominates a game plan. To the left, a snapshot of the situational side of our call sheet has been adjusted to provide the play caller with a ready reference for "Pressure," in addition to traditional "situational" thinking.

This section can serve as a quick reference in the open field, or carry over to different situations. Moreover, it provides a base package of plays that can be practiced weekly and called upon when things aren't going as planned.

The point is - as long as the system (route structures, protections, reads, and plays fit together) is sound, plays with multiple options will carry across multiple game situations, and can be taught in a manner that is extremely efficient.